Ambulances from Jewish community organisation torched, UK police say

Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish community organisation in north London were set ablaze, police said on Monday, adding that the incident was being treated as an antisemitic hate crime.

"An investigation has been launched after four ambulances belonging to the Jewish Community Ambulance service were set on fire in Golders Green," Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

"Officers remain on scene and the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime."

The ambulances belonged to Hatzola, a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that responds to medical emergencies.

The London Fire Brigade said it sent six fire engines and 40 firefighters to the scene. Calls from residents were recorded at 0140 GMT.

"Multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded and caused windows to break in an adjacent block of flats. No injuries are reported."

The London Fire Brigade said the fire was under control by 03:06 GMT.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled it a "deeply shocking antisemitic attack" and that such hatred had no place in society in a post on X.

He added: "My thoughts are with the Jewish community who are waking up this morning to this horrific news. Antisemitism has no place in our society."

Attacks against Jews and Jewish targets have risen worldwide since the Hamas attacks that triggered the Gaza war.

Since the conflict, Britain has recorded significantly higher levels of antisemitic hate.

The most severe antisemitic incident in Britain last year was the Manchester attack that killed two Jewish worshippers during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.